Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must do activity in Vancouver! The park is an excellent experience for all ages, we loved it! Here is how to make the most of your time there.
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Table of Contents
Where is Capilano Suspension Bridge located?
Capilano Suspension Bridge is located an easy bus ride from Downtown. It’s 10km from the centre and takes 40 minutes.
How to get to Capilano Suspension Bridge?
It’s incredibly easy to get to Capilano Suspension Bridge! There are a few ways you can do it, by free shuttle bus, car or public transport. Check out what we did below.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Free Shuttle
There’s a free shuttle that stops at three different locations around the city and drops you off right at the gates of Capilano Suspension Bridge. The first bus will arrive at 8:55am and the park opens at 9am. You can find the free Capilano bus schedule here. You can show your pre-booked Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets to the driver to board the free shuttle. It is a big coach bus and very comfortable.
We chose to get out to the bridge a little earlier and took public bus out there. We took the 241 from Downtown at 8:15am and got to the park by 8:40am, we were second in line. By the time the first free shuttle bus arrived the lineup area was almost completely full.
We took the Capilano Suspension Bridge free shuttle back to the city and it was very comfortable and easy, we jumped off at the waterfront Canada Place and spent the afternoon looking around there.
Best time to go to Capilano Suspension Bridge?
Anytime is really a great time. Through the week is supposedly quieter as are the early mornings. We only had Saturday morning available and tried to be first out there to get a few moments on the bridge without others strike. We did get this but only for a brief moment. Within moments the rest of the guests were there and it was busy. It tends to come in waves, you should be able to get a couple of pictures between the busier moments. I think that the first time slot during the week between Tuesday-Thursday would be the best days. You can purchase tickets at the gate but time slots do sell out, we suggest buying your Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tickets online here so you secure your time.
How long to spend at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
We thought we would spend 1.5 to 2 hours but ended up staying for 3 hours. Wandering around taking in the beautiful surroundings, reading the information boards, taking loads of pictures and watching the raptor show really is a good 3 hours minimum. You could also stay for lunch or grab coffee and cake and make it a day!
What to do at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
There really is a lot to do at Capilano Suspension Bridge, you won’t be left wondering what to do!
The Capilano Suspension Bridge
Obviously the long Suspension Bridge is the top attraction. Originally built in the 1880s to cross the river it’s been owned by multiple people and finally in its current state. I think it’s incredible that it was built so long ago, when the area was used for logging.
Walk across it at normal pace and stop to take photos along the way. Don’t go too slowly as it does shake and move a bit which will feel more extreme the slower you go. In the other hand you can not run or race across it as it’s dangerous. Just a normal pace, allowing others to pass by, is best The views here are stunning, you’ll be looking up and down the river with tall trees either side.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Lights
During the evenings between November to January the whole park lights up! You can choose to buy your tickets to visit in the evening time slots to see the park twinkling with fairy lights. The park closes at 9pm.
Raptors Ridge
After passing over the suspension bridge you can turn left and follow the path around to Raptor Ride. This is where three bird handlers will present information about three different birds of prey.
It’s really interesting to see the birds up close and hear about their life. It’s incredible to see such impressive animals as usually you could not get so close to them.
After explaining their size, weight and habits the handlers explained that they were working birds! I had no idea that hawks were trained to work at airports! The kestrel was so cute and small but again was trained to work in agriculture, clearing other birds from farm barns(by frightening them, not eating them!).
I have to admit that the owl was the most interesting! I’ve never seen one up close, it has such unique features. We learnt why it is the most feared bird which was really surprising. Apparently the only animals that like owls are humans! The Raptor Ridge talks run between 10am and 6pm.
The Cliffwalk
There is a 213m skywalk that curves around a granite cliff face. You’ll be walking a path out over the ravine below, supported by some metal glass. It’s a very cool sensation. There is also a viewpoint where you’ll walk out over a see through metal grate. Surrounded by glass panels there’s a great view but it is a bit scary. Apparently this walk can hold 45 tonnes which is approximately the weight of 35 adult orca whales, do we should be fine! The walk was spectacular, looking out over the cliff was really exciting.
Natures Edge Boardwalk
Here you’ll walk the many boardwalks that crisscross their way through the rainforest. It’s peaceful and beautiful. The tall trees and mossy logs create a magical feel as the sun dappled through the canopy above. It was so tranquil we took our time and really loved it. There are several viewpoints where you look out over the landscape, it really is a beautiful place.
Kia’palano
The story area is really interesting! Kia’palano tells the history of the park but also the first people to live here. There are lots of totem poles that represent different meanings. Staff members are here to discuss and educate visitors on their history and meaning also. Some were used to tell a story, some were like a signpost and others to represent a person such as the chief.
The treetops adventure
During our visit the treetops adventure was closed for maintenance. It looked very cool though! You’ll climb up into the treetops and walk across platforms and a second, smaller suspension bridge!
Food and drinks
There are lots of dining options at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Our favourite was the Loggers Grill with glass fire pits! Grab a burger, coffee or hot chocolate and a cake and enjoy by the fire. For snacks or a coffee on the go there is The Cabin and lunch is perfect at the Cliff House Restaurant. There is no shortage of options, you’ll find something for everyone.
We loved our time at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Getting out into a beautiful rainforest area was so nice and serene. While it was the weekend and there were a lot of people around once we were over the bridge everyone dispersed in their own direction so it never felt crowded.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tickets
We highly recommend visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park while in Vancouver, it really is something everyone can enjoy. You can book your Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tickets here which covers all of the areas and activities in the park above!
Alternatively if you prefer to combine a day trip to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park you can do it with this tour!
Where to stay in Vancouver?
We stayed at the St Regis Hotel and it was excellent! We can’t recommend it more highly. The rooms are spacious, the beds are super comfortable and the staff are incredible. The location is perfectly centred in the heart of Downtown you can walk the city easily or jump on public transport. This our full review of our stay at the St Regis Hotel.
Where Next?
The best place to stay in Vancouver? St Regis Hotel!
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2 comments
[…] online tickets and arriving at the 9 AM opening helps you beat tour bus crowds. Visit after 5 PM for a relaxed experience with better lighting. […]
yep totally agree although we think the park is gorgeous at anytime! would love to come back to do it all again